Reader’s Advisory: Fall 2012

Instructor:

Rebecca Knuth

School:

University of Hawaii

Semester:

Fall 2012

Description:

A course on serving reading needs, especially those of adults, and on identifying the appeal of books and genres and helping readers to select books they will like. It addresses the major elements of reader advisory services and covers the fictional genres (mystery/detective, adventure, romance, Christian fiction, horror, science fiction, and more), and nonfiction [including self-help, biography, and more). The course also looks at readers’ advisory as a reference service, provides research on reading and experience in using RA resources, giving book talks, and participating in literature circles and book clubs/discussions.

Required Textbook:

Sarick, J. G. 2005. Readers’ Advisory Service in the Public Library, 3rd ed.

Link to Syllabus:

http://www.hawaii.edu/lis/content/syllabi/693_knuth_f12.doc

English Children’s Literature: Fall 2010

Instructor:

Rebecca Knuth

School:

University of Hawaii

Semester:

Fall 2010

Description:

This course is on the development (in England) of children’s literature as a genre—its history, classics, and the influence and contributions of iconic authors and illustrators. Topics/critical issues to be discussed include contrasting visions of childhood, the power of traditional literature (folktales, legends, nursery rhymes), the commodification and commercialization of literary characters/texts, the popularized presentation of texts and authors in films, and the ability of texts to entertain, criticize society, present values, and help children to find meaning. Also, the role of English children’s literature in developing national consciousness and values, Englishness.

Required Textbook:

See syllabus.

Link to Syllabus:

http://www.hawaii.edu/lis/content/syllabi/693_knuth_f10.pdf

Books & Media for Young Adults: Fall 2013

Instructor:

Rebecca Knuth

School:

University of Hawaii

Semester:

Fall 2013

Description:

Books and other media for young people of junior and senior high school age. History and criticism of young adult literature. Selecting library and classroom materials. Controversial issues.

Required Textbook:

Nilsen, A. P., Donelson, K. L. 2009. Literature for Today’s Young Adults, 8th ed.

Link to Syllabus:

http://www.hawaii.edu/lis/content/syllabi/682_knuth_f13.pdf

History of Books & Libraries: Spring 2014

Instructor:

Rebecca Knuth

School:

University of Hawaii

Semester:

Spring 2014

Description:

The history of print communication: the recording, preservation, and transmission of knowledge and the development of libraries from earliest times through the 20th century. Studies developments in both Eastern and western cultures with emphasis on printing as a major instrument of communication and cultural transmission, and libraries as political and cultural institutions and ideological targets.

Required Textbook:

Knuth, R. 2003. Libricide: The Regime-Sponsored Destruction of Books and Libraries in the 20th Century.
Lerner, F. A. 2009. The Story of Libraries, 2nd ed.

Link to Syllabus:

http://www.hawaii.edu/lis/content/syllabi/612_knuth_s14.pdf

Intellectual Freedom: Fall 2013

Instructor:

Rebecca Knuth

School:

University of Hawaii

Semester:

Fall 2013

Description:

Seminar course surveying the core philosophical principles of intellectual freedom with special application to librarianship and information science. Covers key areas of controversy, patron rights, and ALA resources.

Required Textbook:

Karolides, N., et al. 2011. 120 Banned Books: Censorship Histories of World Literature, 2nd ed.
Knuth, R. 2006. Burning Books and Leveling Libraries: Extremist Violence and Cultural Destruction.

Link to Syllabus:

http://www.hawaii.edu/lis/content/syllabi/611_knuth_f13.pdf